A support services organisation is getting ready to submit a bid for a share of a £30 million Government funding pot to help transform voluntary services in the borough.

FACT Wokingham, which provides support to the voluntary and charity sector, is leading the borough’s bid for a share of the national Transforming Local Infrastructure fund.

The Government has launched the fund to give groups grants of between £250,000 and £400,000 to help them develop the services they provide to front line civil organisations.

Project manager Andrea McCombie-Parker said: “If we are successful in winning this money Wokingham will develop a strong, vibrant voluntary and community sector structure which will be able to support the estimated 800 groups delivering vital services in all areas of the borough.”

Wokingham Borough Council and the West Berkshire Primary Care Trust has contracted FACT Wokingham to provide funding advice, communication and training for charities in the borough. And the organisation, which hopes it will secure up to £250,000, is appealing for people working or volunteering for charities to have their say about the bid.

Ms McCombie-Parker said: “This will shape and develop the bid that Wokingham submits.

“A collective of diverse voices is more representative than a lone voice so we hope to hear from very many local organisations.”

FACT will be working with a group of partners for the bid including the Wokingham Voluntary Sector Forum, the Berkshire Community Foundation and the Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People.

If the bid is successful the money will be used to help groups access a wider range of support and to help transform organisations to be more efficient, effective and able to grow with less dependence on state funding.

Final bids must be submitted by Monday, October 31. Anyone wishing to have their say on the bid should complete a short survey on www.factwokingham.org.uk or call (0118) 980 0103.